Length of stay: 2 days
Visited: August 2025
Ottawa offers a nice balance of history, culture and nature. There are several museums, a world-renowned art museum and many important federal institutions. The city itself is surrounded by many public green spaces. It’s the capital of Canada and is reputed to be one of the coldest capitals in the world. Good thing we were visiting in the summer!
Day 1: A bit of Canadian History
We’ve been to Ottawa a few times over the years. So our goal was to see if we could visit a few places we haven’t been to before. After eating a late breakfast we set off on foot for the Supreme Court of Canada to get there for the first guided tour of the day. Along the way we passed the Parliament buildings. The Centre Block has been under construction since 2021 as part of a $4.5 billion rehabilitation project.
The Supreme Court of Canada is open to the public and offers free guided tours for most of the year. During the summer reservations aren’t required. We arrived for the first tour of the day at 10am. Our tour guide explained more about the history and functions of the Supreme Court as well as how the judges are appointed. We also got to take a sneak peek inside some of the rooms, including the main courtroom used by the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court of Canada was created in 1875. It is Canada’s final court of appeal and was established to make independent and impartial decisions. It is the only bilingual (it hears and decides cases in English and French) and bijural (includes common law and civil law) supreme court in the world.
The Supreme Court was initially situated in the Parliament buildings, but was moved in 1882 into a new building that was designed to be symmetrical on the outside and inside. It was composed of six judges, but this became problematic in the event of a tie. So the number was increased to seven (in 1927) and then nine (in 1949).
By the time we wrapped up our tour the clouds had cleared and we got to enjoy some blue skies and sunshine. But that meant it was noticeably hotter outside. We headed back to our hotel, taking a slightly longer route back that involved climbing up a few stairs to admire the views overlooking the Ottawa River.
We stopped at the Rideau Centre to pick something up for lunch today and tomorrow and then headed back to our hotel. After M got up from her nap, we set out on foot to the Laurier House National Historic Site. We were a bit too late for the last guided tour of the day, but not to worry as you can take a self-guided tour and explore at your own pace.
The house was once home to two of Canada’s longest serving prime ministers: Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King. When Laurier became prime minister in 1896, the Canadian government at the time didn’t provide an official residence for the prime minister. So it was up to him to find a suitable place to live as the nation’s leader. Laurier didn’t have much money, but he did have some very generous friends who raised money to buy the Laurier house. They also set up a fund to help pay living expenses to maintain the property.
Laurier lived there from 1897 until his death in 1919. His wife gifted the house to MacKenzie King upon her death in 1921. King moved in, undertook some major renovations, and lived there until his death in 1950. In his will he left the house to the people of Canada to be preserved as a national historic site.
Shortly after King’s death, a decision was made that Canada should provide an official residence for its Prime Ministers. Except there hasn’t been a desire to spend any money to maintain it and the house is currently in a state of disrepair. It was officially closed in 2022 due to health and safety reasons.
After our self-guided tour we made our way back to our hotel, stopping at the Byward Market to pick up takeaway for dinner.
Day 2: Diefenbunker
We took our time packing up and getting organized. We’d be heading home later today. But first we planned to stop at the Diefenbunker on the drive out of Ottawa. The Diefenbunker looks rather unassuming. And that’s because it’s all underground. It was built during the height of the Cold War to prepare for a possible war with the USSR. It was named after Canada’s Prime Minister at the time, John Diefenbaker.
The Diefenbunker was designed as a concrete box that’s four storeys deep. It’s heavily reinforced with as much concrete steel as a 20 story building. Construction began in 1959 and was completed in 1962. It was built to accommodate 535 key government and military officials for 30 days of continuous operation without any outside supplies.
Fortunately there was no full-scale war and the Diefenbunker was never fully put to the test. After the Cold War it operated as a military base and played an important role in military telecommunications until 1994. It was decommissioned and later designated a national historic site. Today visitors can explore the bunker at their own pace to get a sense of what it might have been like to live underground in the event of an emergency.
We then began the drive back home, stopping at the Maple Dale Cheese Factory to stretch our legs and pick up more cheese of course. From there it was another 2.5 hours to go, which ended up taking much longer due to heavy traffic. A sign that we were close to home (and yet so far away).
L
Truly, unassuming! The deifenbunker looks like a disguise but very interesting inside. When I read the title, I remember my friend who lives there. Hope M enjoy this summer with all your trip.
It’s pretty incredible how they were able to build such a complex and massive bunker underground. It was really neat to explore the different rooms at our own pace. We’re all looking forward to the summer and going on more adventures. But for now we’ll enjoy that it’s Friday and almost the weekend!
Yeah, the weekend again, and more time to discipline myself.🤩🤭
Thanks for the tour of Ottawa, Linda! I was posted there when I was in the military but I haven’t spent much time there since – a few quick visits is all but your post has prompted me to think about going again. Cheers.
Even though we’ve been to Ottawa before we still managed to visit a few new spots. For such a small city, there’s surprisingly a lot to do. Hopefully you’re able to make a return visit. I imagine it would be neat to see how much has changed since you were last there. It seems like you travelled around quite a bit from work.
Yes, there has been a lot of work-related travel over the years. Cheers.
Sounds like a wonderful way to see the world and places you might not have even considered visiting.
Oh yes, that definitely occurred!
I haven’t been to any of those, and like to see them all, but especially Laurier House. Maggie
It was nice to return to Ottawa and visit a few of the lesser known sites we haven’t been to before. The Laurier House was pretty interesting. It’s too bad we missed out on the guided tour, but there were some information panels we could read to learn more about the history of the house and about Laurier and Mackenzie King.
oh! I think I would get so claustrophobic in a bunker! Great post! so interesting! Linda x
The bunker was surprisingly quite spacious. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to live underground though. I’d miss the natural light too much.
I didn’t know Ottawa was one of the oldest capital cities, you learn something new every day! As for the Diefenbunker, I used to live in a town in rural Sussex, England, which had an army camp out in the forest, long reputed to have access to the underground chamber where the PM, the monarch and other leading figures would be housed in the event of nuclear war. One can only wonder if they’re oiling the door hinges again right now…
Our first visit to Ottawa in 1980 was not much to write home about. A boring government city, but on each successive visit, it got better and better. Great walking places, excellent museums, good food. Thanks for the tour of the Supreme Court and Laurier House. We have never done these. We did visit the Diefenbunker in 2018. A very interesting tour of another time. Thanks for sharing Linda. Allan
An amazing city, thank you for the tour, Linda! It’s odd that the Prime Minister home wasn’t kept up. A nice city to visit!
Oh I know. It was quite controversial (and embarrassing) as to how it got in such a poor state that they had to finally close it. Apparently it was infested with rodents and had toxic mould and asbestos.
Asbestos! Oh heck no. Have a great weekend!
Asbestos and rat infested walls seems like something right out of a nightmare. No thanks!
Right, so sad!
Ottawa looks like a wonderful city to visit. It looks very green which is always appealing. Let’s hope there’s no need for the bunker any time soon.
There’s a lot of parkland and green spaces surrounding Ottawa. We’ve done a bit of hiking in the area, but have only really scratched the surface. Sounds like another excuse to return. The bunker wasn’t needed during the Cold War and here’s hoping it’s not needed anytime soon either!
I really enjoyed the history lessons, and the view of the interiors of the buildings. The bunker was quite interesting, I can’t imagine staying inside one myself. To not be able to go outside would possibly drive me crazy.
Thanks Rose. I’m not sure how I’d handle being underground either and not seeing any natural light. I think I’d go crazy. But if it means survival, I might consider it if those I love were there with me.
Interesting and informative post. Canada is so much more accessible for us since moving to Michigan. Hoping to take some road trips there to explore. 😉
Very true! There are also a lot greats parks here in Canada!
We remember some but also missed most of the places mentioned. That’s good news, right? It means we have to go back and explore some more.
Very true! Even visiting in a different season can make for a different experience!
I really enjoyed learning the history of this area. It is somewhere that I knew by name, but knew nothing about. Loved following along with you today to Ottawa
Thanks for your lovely comment. Ottawa is full of treasures related to Canadian history. We’ve been a few times before but still managed to see some new spots.
So interesting! Ottawa looks like it has lots to explore. Did you know Diefenbaker is a derivation of Diefenbach, which originates from high German meaning deep (diefen) stream (bach). It made me smile that the underground bunker is literally called “deep bunker”. Worked out perfectly!
That’s hilarious! I didn’t know that! Seems like it was aptly named!
Some great sites to visit! It’s always fascinating to see government buildings and I’d enjoy that bunker too. It’s always a bummer having a great trip and coming home to heavy traffic.
The nice thing about government buildings is that many of them are free to visit. The Diefenbunker was fascinating. And it’s pretty impressive that it was built in less than two years, especially considering its size. There’s no escaping the crazy Toronto traffic during the summer. In retrospect we probably should have stayed for one more day and come home on a weekday instead of a Sunday, which is always the worst day to travel.
So interesting! I’ve been seeing a LOT about the Rideau Canal skating on Instagram, so it’s nice to see what else Ottawa has to offer in the warmer months.
The Rideau Canal skateway is pretty impressive. We’ve skated a portion of it before many years ago. Ottawa has really embraced winter. If you can handle the cold, it’s actually a fun place to visit for their annual Winterlude Festival.
The views overlooking the Ottawa River are so beautiful, and so is the city itself. I’d love to go on a tour of the Supreme Court of Canada, learn about the building, the court’s role, and its history. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
Thanks Aiva. We’ve been to Ottawa a few times before and it was neat to discover a few spots we haven’t been to. The tour of the Supreme Court was fascinating. Makes you wonder why they initially thought six judges would be a good idea though! Thanks for reading. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Linda
The Diefenbunker looks so cool. I’m glad it never had to be used but the zombie apocalypse nerd in me is foaming at the mouth thinking of the possibilities of such a space!
I’ve only been in Ottawa once during the summer. All other times have been in the winter and yes, they are brutally cold. There is so much to see and do.
Would love to learn more about the Superior Court system too.
I have been to Ottawa once but it looks like it has really changed since I was last there 45 years ago! My cousin lived in a small town near Ottawa and we would go visit her. Looks lovely.
Interesting! I spent a day in Ottawa a few years back but didn’t have time to do most of this. We saw parliament and Rideau Canal, and that was about it. I didn’t know you could tour the supreme court and I definitely haven’t heard of the bunker. So interesting! It’s also interesting to learn that the supreme court initially had 6 judges. It seems someone should have foreseen the tie problem.
We’ve been to Ottawa a few times before and have hit up the highlights. It was nice to return and visit a few of the lesser known sights. The Diefenbunker is really cool. Thankfully it was never really put to the test. I don’t imagine it would be fun to live underground for a month. And yah, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that an even number of judges might not make the most sense!
Such a beautiful and serene nature city Ottawa , photos are incredible 🌷🙏👍🏻 walking way, the beauty of Bridge, view of the historical Buildings are amazing 🤩 and bunker in hill stunning and your beautiful explanations too 😮 Thank you for sharing and many greetings Blessings my dearest friend 🥰🖖💐
Thanks for your lovely comment. We had a nice time wandering around Ottawa and visiting a few spots we’ve never been to before. It’s a fantastic city to learn more about Canadian history. Have a wonderful weekend. Linda
Thank you so much for likes my feedback and most welcome 🙏
Happy weekend to you and your loving family , Be Blessed 🌷🥰🖖
Splendid post as always Linda. As you know we were in Montreal last year but didn’t get time to visit Ottawa. I’d definitely enjoy taking tours of both the Supreme Court and the Defenbunker.
Thanks Marion! Ottawa is a city we keep returning to. It was fun to visit a few spots we’ve never been to before. The Diefenbunker is pretty impressive. It was fun to explore the different rooms and try to imagine what it might have been like to live there in the case of an emergency.
How interesting! It’s funny, we are compelled to stop at cheese place too 😂
Ha, of course you do! I love how we’re always in sync with our preferences. Who doesn’t love cheese though!?!
Haha, true.
Fascinating post, thanks for sharing. Loved your photos!
Thanks so much for your kind words. We’ve been to Ottawa before but it was nice to revisit and explore a few spots around the city. Have a wonderful weekend.
Very interesting about the Supreme Court and the fact that they are the only bilingual Court in the world. Visiting the bunker must have been great as well. I like that you are planning visit around baby M naps. We do the same with Marcus.
It’s much easier to plan around nap time now that our little one is down to just one nap a day. But sometimes nap time doesn’t work out and we just have to go with the flow. Thankfully toddler M loves going on adventures. She had a blast running around the bunker.
That’s one thing I love about Canada: how easy it is to visit places of power that elsewhere are cut off from the public by security measures.
Oh I know. And most of those places are typically free to visit and often provide guided tours. It’s awesome.
Thank you for sharing. I always enjoy your posts. I need to have a visit to Ottawa. The last time I spent time there was my Grade 8 school trip.
I don’t know if the race is still going, but Pre-Covid there was a race called Diefenbunker Classic. Runners would run either 5k or 10k through the bunker.
Thanks so much for your lovely comment. The race through the Diefenbunker sounds fun! I just looked it up and it seems like 2019 was the last year it was held. They currently offer themed indoor escape rooms though, which sounds interesting. Something to add to the list for the next time we’re in Ottawa.
That really does sound interesting.
Perhaps another excuse to return!
We have always enjoyed our trips to Ottawa, even the flipping cold one in Feb. I really enjoyed the Laurier House and felt it was well done. I think the Diefenbunker would be interesting. Bernie
Same! It’s funny because the only other times we’ve been to Ottawa were in the winter. I must say though, their Winterlude is fantastic.
WoW … These photos are stunning…. Ottawa looks like such a perfect mix of history, culture, and nature.
I love how you captured everything, the Supreme Court tour, the Laurier House, and even the underground vibes of the Diefenbunker. Feels like I was walking those streets with you, soaking in the views of the river and the summer sun.
Be Safe, Be Well and Be Blessed….
Thanks for your lovely comment, Willie. Ottawa is a beautiful city to visit and there’s a bit of something here for everyone depending whether you enjoy nature, art, history or politics. It’s also very family friendly. Enjoy the rest of the week. Linda
Ottawa looks like a lovely green city. I really love the exterior of the Laurier House. Such a shame that it has been neglected. The other two sites are also quite interesting and struck me as places that most (first-time) visitors don’t get to see. An even number of Supreme Court judges – I’m surprised that worked at all.
I’m a fan of the Victorian style of housing too, especially when there’s a veranda. They don’t make houses like that anymore! And yah, it seems a bit silly to think that an even number of judges would work out!
So interesting! Love the history !
There’s a lot of history in Ottawa! This was our first time visiting in the summer. While we saw some familiar sights, it was neat to explore a few spots we haven’t been to before.
I loved Ottawa, but missed the Diefenbunker. I’ll have to go back!
It’s actually pretty amazing how much there is to do in Ottawa. Even though we’ve been a few times before, we still managed to find some new spots we haven’t been to. The Diefenbunker was a highlight. It’s definitely a good excuse to return!
Ah, a city surrounded by green spaces – I love that – and with the blue sky, Ottawa must be a beautiful capital to visit. The Diefenbunker looks like a very interesting place (I suppose one can be glad that it was never tested to see if it would really work during a war, right)? As for the Maple Dale Cheese Factory – that’s definitely our kind of place 😉.
We’ve explored a few of the trails around Ottawa on previous visits. It’s always nice to be able to leave the city and be surrounded by nature within a matter of minutes. The Diefenbunker was something else. Incredible that they were able to build all of that underground in under two years. Glad to hear I’m not the only one that has a soft spot for cheese! Mmm!
Such as a beautiful city! Interesting bunker story too
The Diefenbunker is fascinating. It’s pretty amazing that they were able to construct it in under two years too. There’s no way they could build something like that so quickly today.
What a lovely look into Ottawa! I must admit, I’ve always thought of it as administrative and bureaucratic. Thanks for opening my eyes. And cheese is always a great thing👍
Thanks so much for your lovely comment. Ottawa is a relatively sleepy city, but there’s surprisingly quite a bit to do in terms of tourism, especially if you enjoy history. And agreed about cheese. I couldn’t live without it!
I’ve wanted to visit the Parliament’s Centre Block for quite some time now, but I think I’ll wait until the restoration work is finished. After all, it’s half the world away from where I live, so I want to see it in its best shape! It’s interesting to learn that not only Canada’s Supreme Court is bilingual, but it also adopts both the civil law and the common law systems. That’s truly Canadian!
I don’t blame you for wanting to visit until after the restoration of the parliament buildings is complete. All the scaffolding and construction is a bit of an eyesore. The tour of the Supreme Court was fascinating. And it was free. Even though Ottawa is a relatively small city, there’s surprisingly quite a bit to do.
The Laurier House looks so lovely. I’m glad it’s still accessible to the public.
Me too. It’s an interesting part of Canadian history and it’s a neat to see where a couple of our previous Prime Ministers lived.
Thank you for showing us the bunker, along with added history. That would be a fascinating visit.
The Diefenbunker is pretty incredible. It’s impressive that they were able to construct all of that underground in under two years.
That is amazing!
This was a really interesting tour! I didn’t know much about Ottowa, and I loved the history details. It’s great that you can do self guided tours. To me Ottowa seems so calm and reasonable. 🙂
Ottawa is a small, yet vibrant city. It’s also very family friendly. It’s a wonderful spot to visit to learn more about Canadian history. And many of the places are free to visit.
💚 so much interesting information, thanks for sharing
Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment. We had a wonderful time exploring Ottawa.
Great post and very interesting about the Diefenbunker.